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Gathered Sunbeams 



POEMS 



BY 

EUNICE S. PEASE 
Author of "Scattered Treasures" 



< ) how mueh of joy, and gladness. 
We may strew along life's way 
If we gather up the sunbeams, 
Lying "round our path to-day. 



PITTSFIELD, MASS. 

PRESS OF THE SUN PRINTING COMPANY 
1902 






s 

,"?v 



the li»*a»»v mr 

•ONQRES3, 
Two Oopim fttotwm 

APR. 11 1902 

Copvrmht enniv 

OLAM Ou XXfc No. 

"L. & 
OOPY B. 



UGl'YRIGHT 1902 
By Eunice S. Pease. 



J i 









preface. 



The hearty welcome extended to "Scattered Treas- 
ures," and the many congratulations received by those 
who have been entertained by its perusal, have encour- 
aged me to make another effort iu the same line of 
work, hoping that the second attempt may meet with 
as cordial a reception. e. s. p. 



Jhrtirx. 



The Glad Easter Morning. .... 9 

Memories of the Past. ..... 10 

Hope. ........ 13 

One Wore Blue, the Other Gray. ... 13 

Wipe and I. ....... 16 

Mother. ...... IT 

Six Years Old, and a Pocket. .... 18 

Pedigree. ....... 19 

From Spring to Ocean. . . . . . 30 

Just Keep Quiet ...... 21 

A Wish. ........ 23 

One by Onb. ....... 24 

Little May's Shoes. ...... 26 

A Lady's True Charm. ..... 88 

One Way of Teaciiin' Children to Mind. . . 30 

Alone. ........ 32 

The Cross. ....... 34 

Kittie and I. ...... 35 

Galilee. ....... 38 

Our Mother. ...... 40 

A Peaceful Harp.or. ...... 42 

Our Little Mary'. . . . . . 43 

Angelina Jane's Pauty. ..... 44 

Little Dollie Dimple. ..... 46 

If We Knew. ....... 48 

"Rock of Ages Cleft for Me.'' ... 49 

Let Us Scatter Sunshine. ..... 51 

My Ole Cabin Home. ..... 52 

St. Valentine's Day. ...... 53 

Mickey O'Brien and His Donkey. ... 56 

The Ocean. ....... 60 



Speak Kindly to the Erring. .... 61 

Don't Change Old Friends for New Ones. ■ . 62 

Abide With Me, My Master. .... 63 

He Leads His Own. ...... 64 

The Soldier Lover. ..... 65 

A Sister's Love. ...... 68 

Beyond the Shadows, What Then? ... 74 

God Bless You. ...... 75 

Our Dear Olo Home. ..... 76 

The Folly of Chicken White. .... 77 

The Husking. ...... 79 

Consider the Lilies. ...... 88 

Journeying Homeward. ..... 84 




To the Readers of "Gathered Sunbeams" : 

I have named my book of poems "Gathered Sun- 
beams," and lean best illustrate the meaning of the 
title by a little story. Once upon a time a " lonely 
lady" sat in her darkened room, she had been bereft of 
her "'heart's idol" and would not be comforted; she 
grew paler and thinner as the days went by. In a dis- 
taut city a lady received a letter from a friend of the 
"bereft one;" she read the letter to her husband, and 
as she read her two little ones listened, and they said, 
"Let us gather some sun-beams for the 'lonely lady.' " 
So they took a paper and chased the sun- beams that 
shone on the floor, trying to catch them. Finally they 
grew tired, and fell asleep. And while the little ones 
were sleeping the mother wrote a letter to the " lonely 
lady," telling her how in sympathy her lit-le ones had 
been trying to gather sun-beams for her. The lady re- 
ceived the letter, and read it o'er and o'er, and then 
she sat and thought, and thought. Finally she arose 
and said, " I will go out and visit the suffering ones 
around me. and see if I can help them." So she visited 
the homes of those that were destitute, and adminis- 
tered to their needs. She visited the sick, and helped 
relieve them. She found one poor sinner and tried to 
lead him to Christ. And then, to those bereft of "loved 
ones" like herself, she spoke words of cheer and hope. 
When she returned to her home she found her own 
heart had grown lighter, and she said, "I will gather 
sun-beams my life long." And so, if one line in 
"Gathered Sunbeams" shall bring cheer and hope to 
some lonely, sorrowing one, it shall have fulfilled its 
mission. 

Eunice S. Pease. 




Glad we hail the Easter morning, 
Sons of men and Angels say ; 

Raise your notes of triumph higher, 
For our Lord is risen today. 

He is risen, He is risen, 

Death for aye, has lost its sting ; 
Christ hath burst the bars asunder ; 

Christ our Saviour, Priest and King. 

Love's redeeming work is finished, 
Christ hath risen to the skies ; 

Sing with all the sons of glory, 

Sing with g'ad, and sweet surprise. 

Shout the great Redeemer's praises, 

Hallelujah! to our King, 
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! 

Let the Heaven's, with echo ring. 

Welcome, welcome, happy morning, 
Christ's great work on earth is done ; 

He has risen, and ascended, 

Death is vanquished, Heaven, is won. 



POEMS. 



iptemovics of the ^ast. 

From memories mystic wildwood, 

From the years with their ceaseless 
flow ; 

Peers many a dear remembered face, 
That we loved in the long ago. 

Up from the silent past there comes, 
Music voices so low, and sweet, 

That long ago were hushed in death ; 
O could we once more those voices 
greet. 

And many a familiar footfall, 

In memories hall we hear, 
Though the feet have long been resting ; 

We say it, with falling tear. 

The darkness of those fleeting years, 

Have settled upon us now ; 
And the gloom that saddened the long 
ago, 

Has darkened the once fair brow. 

There were bright visions of coming 
years, 

That faded in the early morn ; 
And the beautiful skies of other days, 

Are dark, with the gathering storm. 



MEMORIES OF THE PAST. 



The holy light that played in our hearts, 

Has long since faded away ; 
And life's dark shadows now linger, 

Around our path today. 

O those beautiful, beautiful shining years, 
In our memory they rise tonight ; 

And we long once more to see the forms, 
That gladdened our homes so bright. 

But beyond the darkness and shadows, 
Our loved ones we'll surely meet, 

And join in the holy music, 

That echoes in Heaven, so sweet. 



From the dim, dark shores, 

Of the sorrowful past ; 
Comes this evening, a vision 

To me ; 
As a billow, blown from 

The desolate past ; 
"From the storm beaten 

Isle of the sea;" 
The memory of precious years 

Long ago ; 
Those sweetest, divinest 

Of years ; 
Float around me tonight, with 

A rythmical tone ; 
And melts me, to sadness, 

And tears. 



POEMS. 



Hope is a mighty anchor, 

To weary mortals given ; 
The anchor strong, is surely cast 

Within the veil of Heaven. 

Hope, comes to us on golden wings, 

When all is dark and drear, 
And whispers of a brighter day, ' 

And stays the falling tear. 

When wronged by those we love the best. 

And treated oft with scorn ; 
1 hen Hope, sweet messenger from 
Heaven, 

Will help us not to mourn. 

O Hope, sweet Hope, thy guiding light, 

Shall cheer us on our way ; 
'Till we have crossed the "border land," 

And reached eternal day. 



Faith, Hope, and Charity, how sweet, 
How blest, the Triune three ; 

But greater far, I think than all, 
Is precious Charity. 



ONE WORE BLUE, THE OTHER GRAY. 13 



@uc Wo*e |BUte f gTxe ©tfxer (Svaij. 

The battle had raged fearful and long, 
On that southern field, so far away; 

Of the wounded, and dying lying there, 
Some wore blue, and some wore gray. 

Each had fought for the cause loved best, 
For home, and friends, and native land ; 

And had entered the field on that fearful 
day, 
A brave, and fearless, glittering band. 

The awful havoc of shot and shell, 
Had mowed them down like grass, they 
say; 
And now the soldiers from north and 
south, 
Were lying there, in blue and gray. 

The moon shed forth her soft pale light, 
On the dead, and dying lying there; 

And side by side two soldiers lay, 
One was dark, the other fair. 

The dark one spoke, say, soldier lad, 
If, when the morning sun shines bright, 

They bear me from this field away. 
And bury me far from mortal sight. 



14 POEMS. 



Take a token, and a message true, 
To a fair haired girl in Tennessee ; 

She is as pure as the flowers that bloom, 
And she was always true, to me. 

Take her the picture she gave to me, 
You'll find it lying near my heart ; 

Tell her I loved her 'till the last, 

And naught but death, our love could 
part. 

Tell her I hope to meet her again, 
Where war and parting is unknown, 

And join again earth's severed ties, 
Around the Master's great white 
throne. 

Then Charley spoke, say, comrade, dear, 
If I should go and you should stay, 

Take a lock of my hair to my mother I 
love, 
In her Northern home so far away. 

Tell her, her boy was brave and true, 
And never flinched at the cannon's 
mouth ; 

Tell her I trust we shall meet again. 
Where there is neither North or South. 



ONE WORE BLUE. THE OTHER GRAY. 15 

The morning dawned on that battle-field ; 

And side by side two soldiers lay, 
Their hands were clasped in silent death, 

One wore blue, the other gray. 

There was no one to tell that fair-haired 

girl, 
In her home in "Sunny Tennessee," 
That her soldier lover so brave and true, 
Was buried 'neath a cypress tree. 

And no one to tell that mother dear, 
In her Northern home so far away, 

That under the sunny Southern skies, 
Sleeping in death her darling lay. 

But in that land of peace, and rest, 
Where shines one bright eternal day ; 

The fair-haired girl, and the mother dear, 
Will clasp glad hands, with the blue, 
and gray. 



16 POEMS. 



ife nnCL %. 



We are growing old together, 

Wife and I. 
Down the stream of life we glide, 
And upon its surging tide 
We are keeping side by side, 

Wife and I. 

We have always loved each other, 

Wife and I. 
And it never can be told 
That our love has e'er grown cold* 
Even though we'er growing old, 

Wife and I. 

Many years we've toiled together 

Wife and I ; 
When the sun shone bright and clear, 
Or when storms were dark, and drear, 
To each other, we've kept near 

Wife and I. 

We are often sad and lonely, 

Wife and I ; 
Many from our side have flown, 
Friends that we have loved, our own, 
Leaving us so sad and lone.. 

Wife and I. 



MOTHER. 17 



Soon we'll lay life's burdens down 

Wife and I ; 
Soon our journey will be o'er, 
And we'll meet to part no more, 
On the happy golden shore ; 

Wife and I. 



JUothct*. 

Of all the names to memory dear, 

There is not any other 
That has so dear, and sweet a sound 

As the precious name of Mother. 

When storms of sorrow gather round, 
And we shrink from one another, 

We find a solace for our grief 
In the precious love of Mother. 

There are other loved names in our home 
Such as Father, Sister, Brother, 

But none to me is half so sweet 
As the precious name of Mother. 

Then in our heart's most sacred place 

We'll love her as no other ; 
For in all this world we'll never find 

So true a friend as Mother. 



POEMS. 



%\% Kea^s ®Ut and a locfcet. 

Hurrah Grandma, here I come 

To visit you and Aunts, 
I'm six years old, and I have got 

A pocket in my pants. 

I think it is the grandest thing 

That ever came to me ; 
To have a pocket in my pants, 

Just like my Papa, see. 

Now I will show you what it holds, 

If you would like to see ; 
A ball, a jack knife, spool and twine, 

And marbles, one, two, three. 

Now Grandma see how grand I walk, 
With one hand in my pocket; 

I'm sure I'm happier far today, 
Than Sue is, with her locket. 

Grandma if anybody comes, 
To call on you and Aunts ; 

Please tell them I am six years old, 
And have a pocket in my pants. 



PEDIGREE. 19 

Once upon a time, a ragged lad, 
Was leading a dog, it was all he had, 
He thought he would sell it and buy 

some meat, 
For he was almost starving, for some- 
thing to eat. 

So the lad called out, as a man stepped up, 

Say mister want to buy a pup ? 

The gentleman smiled and said, Pat 

McCree 
Has your puppy got a pedigree ? 

Pat looked around and scratched his head, 
A pidagree is that phwat he said? 
Such a dridful thing, why 'pon me hat 
Oi niver heard of the loikes of that. 

Then he spoke up sharply, naw sir'ee 
It may be me pup has got a flea ; 
But as sure as me name is ragged Pat, 
He haint got anything bad loike that. 

The man passed on, the listeners smiled. 
They thought him a very curious child ; 
They should have considered that Pat 

McCree, 
Had never heard of a pedigree. 



POEMS. 



&vom ^ptnnrj to (i)ceau. 

J. in - a bubbling cprkigy 

I saw a little bubbling spring, 

Upon tbe mountain top ; 
I drank its cooling waters. 

And watched its sparkling drops. 

Then I asked the little bubbling spring, 
Whence flow thy waters clear? 

And it bubbled up an answer, 
To the little streamlet, near. 

I asked the little streamlet, 
Whence do thy waters flow? 

And it gurgled, as it answered, 
To the little brook, below. 

I asked the little sparkling brook, 
Whence flow thy waters bright? 

And it rippled, as it answered, 
To the river, just in sight. 

Then I asked the noble river, 
Whence do thy waters glide? 

And it murmured, as it answered, 
To the ocean, deep, and wide. 

Then I asked the mighty ocean, 
Whence do thy waters flow? 

And it answered with its surging tide, 
To distant lands I go. 



JUST KEEP QUIET. 



I wash the shores of continents, 

In countries far away ; 
I carry blessings onward, 

A thousand, in a day. 

So I thought our words, and actions, 
Trifling though they seem to be, 

Reach far out upon the ocean, 
Of a vast, Eternity. 



%\\s\ %z*p Quiet. 

If there's trouble all around you, 

Just keep quiet ; 
And if trials thick confound you, 

Just keep quiet ; 
There's no need of idle sighing, 
Or still worse in useless crying, 
For the moments swife are flying, 

Just keep quiet. 

If the friends you've loved forsake you, 

Just keep quiet; 
If the woes of life overtake you, 

Just keep quiet ; 
As you journey on you'll find, 
Other friends more true and kind, 
Than the old ones, never mind, 

Just keep quiet ; 



POEMS. 

If a slight or harsh word grieve you, 

Just keep quiet ; 
You will find it will relieve you, 

Just keep quiet ; 
Do not waste the hours in sorrow, 
Do not any trouble borrow, 
'Twill be brighter on the morrow, 

Just keep quiet. 

So amid the storms of life, 

Just keep quiet; 
Do not heed its bitter strife, 

Just keep quiet ; 
Ne'er a night but has its morn, 
It is darkest before the dawn, 
So you need not be forlorn, 

Just keep quiet. 



A WISH. 23 



Shall I wish for thee, my darling, 
A life all bright, and sweet? 

With roses blooming round thy path. 
And no thorns to pierce thy feet? 

Shall I wish that not a sorrow, 

E'er shall dim thine eyes with tears ? 

And that life be one glad summer. 
Through all the coming years? 

Ah ! ah, no ! but rather this, 
That thou'lt be good and true ; 

Always doing unto others, 

As you'd have them, do to you. 

And although the thorns may pierce thy 
feet, 

And the tears fall fast at night ; 
May your life find sweetest music, 

In making other lives, more bright. 

Then when e'er thy journey's ended, 
And the Saviour bids thee come, 

May angels ope the pearly gates, 
And bid thee, welcome Home. 



24 POEMS. 



(One ^y One. 

One by one, our friends are going, 
To that bright land far away ; 

One by one, pass through the gateway 
Opening to Eternal day. 

How we miss their precious faces ; 

How we long to clasp their hand ; 
How we long to join their number, 

In the brighter better land. 

When the shadows fall at even, 
How we list to hear their voice ; 

Could we hear them but a moment, 
How it would our heart rejoice. 

But they never more return to us 
Who have crossed the border land ; 

And we ne'er shall see our loved ones 
'Till we join their glittering band. 

Where no shadow ever falleth, 

Where there ne'er can come decay, 

Where the sun of bliss is shining, 
And 'tis one glad summer day. 



ONE BY ONE. 25 



There we'll join our precious loved ones, 
When our work on earth is done; 

Meet again, in that blest haven. 
Those that left us, one, by one. 



When we go to meet the ransomed. 

And we join their glittering band, 
We shall know the friends that greet us, 

In that brighter, better land; 
We sha 1 see the same eves shining, 

That we loved to watch, of yore; 
And their arms shall twine around us 

Fondly, as they did before. 



26 POEMS. 



%\WXt 2$Uuj r s ^hoes. 

Don't take little May's shoes, papa dear, 
Kind teacher gave them to me, 

So I can go to the mission school, 
Where all is joyous and free. 

The father heeds not the pleading voice ; 

But takes the shoes to the shop, 
And pawns them for money to buy more 
rum, 

And drinks up every drop. 

Then he returns home his wife to abuse ; 

And poor little May with fear, 
Runs out to hide in the cold night air, 

And sleeps in an alley near. 

A week passes by and little May, 

Lies on a bed of pain ; 
She will never go to the mission school, 

Or need her shoes again. 

Her father fully sobered now, 
Stands by and hears her moan ; 

What will my precious mamma do, 
When I am dead and gone. 

And then again she murmurs, 

Don't take my shoes away, 
My feet are cold, dear papa. 

Don't vou love vour little May? 



LITTLE MA Y'S SHOES. 27 

Oh ! the bitter, bitter anguish ; 

That fills that father's heart ; 
For he knows that in a few short hours, 

With his darling, he must part. 

She calls, come papa, mamma, 

And kiss your little May ; 
When I am gone, there'll surely come 

For you, a brighter day. 

Won't you promise me dear papa, 

That you'll never drink again? 
And never cause dear mamma. 

Another moment's pain? 

The father with a broken voice. 

Promises little May ; 
And with a smile upon her lips, 

She speeds to Heaven, away. 

Years pass on and who can say. 

That little May died in vain ; 
For her father nas kept his promise, 

And has never drank again. 

He redeemed the shoes and keeps them ; 

Where he can see them every day ; 
And when temptation comes to him, 

He thinks of little Mav. 



28 POEMS. 

Other little children have come, 
To gladden their home so bright, 

And white robed forms kneel at mother's 
knee 
To say their prayers, at night. 

But although they love them dearly, 
And prize them every day ; 

Not one has ever taken the place, 
Of their precious little May. 



% gacXy/s gvuc (JHiavm. 

The gem of all others, 

That enriches the crown, 
Of a lady's character, 

Is not in renown ; 
Xor is it her beauty, 

Of form, or of face. 
Or her stately carriage. 

Of elegant grace. 

It is not in rich silks, 

Or in diamonds rare, 
Or the beautiful jewels, 

That bedeck her fair hair ; 
The charm that gives beauty, 

To form, and to face, 
Is the charm of true piety, 

Which always, lends grace. 



A LADY'S TRUE CHARM. 29 

A lady that trusts, 

In a kind Father's love ; 
And is walking the pathway, 

That leads on, to above ; 
That lends a kind hand, 

To all those in need, 
Gives clothes to the destitute, 

And the hungry ones feed. 

That lady is beautiful, 

To all who behold ; 
Her beauty is more precious, 

Than rubies, or gold ; 
Her form may be bent. 

And plain, be her face : 
But she is beautiful still, 

With a God given grace. 

And then best of all, 

The kind Father looks down, 
And beckons her on. 

To a robe, and a crown ; 
To a beautiful home. 

In the mansions above ; 
This will be her reward. 

For her life-work of love. 



3 o POEMS. 

©ne Way of Reaching (Sftildven 
to ptind. 

Mary don't you hear the racket? 

What on earth is all this noise ? 
I am sure, I never have seen 

Such unruly girls and boys. 

I used to think you had the tact, 

The best that I could find, 
Of bringing up the children, 

And learning them to mind. 

John come here to me this minute ; 

Charles stop talking, now, I say ; 
How I wish I had the handling, 

Of these children, just one day. 

I may care for them this morning? 

You are going out a while? 
Thank you ; I will teach them manners 

If I don't, then I should smile. 

Now Jennie straighten out your face, 
Don't let me see another frown ; 

Evalina, stop that pinching, 

Or on the floor, you'll quick sit down. 

Charles, put down that knife this instant, 
Quick about it, don't you hear? 

John you stop that saucy talking, 
Or you'll have a cause to fear. 



ONE WA Y OF TEACHING CHILDREN TO MIND. 31 



my gracious, hear that racket, 
And that most uearthly squall ; 

1 am sure it is the baby, 
That has had another fall. 

There put down those books this minute, 
1 don't care to hear you sing: 

Mother, isn't as cross as I am? 

Well, she is an angel, without wings. 

Wasn't I ever young? be sure I was; 

But that was long ago ; 
When girls and boys knew how to mind, 

Without a word, or blow. 

Take your hands out of your pocket, 
Fold them up, now do be still ; 

If your mother don't come home right 
" oft", 
I know I shall be ill. 

There she comes I am so thankful ; 

Had a good time? well you bet 
I will never find a word of fault. 

If from morn, 'till night you fret. 

For these children here, are bad enough, 

To drive a person wild ; 
I should like to go away somewhere, 

And never see a child. 



32 POEMS. 

Will I have a lunch ? no thank you 
All I ask is just a rest. 

And if I can only find it, 

I shall think, that I am hlest. 



JVlone. 

Alone, upon life's pathway 

I walk ; no one is near 
To keep my feet from falling, 

And speak kind words of cheer. 

Alone, amid the shadows 
That gather round my cot ; 

Alone when gentle spring-time, 
Brings its sweet forget-me-not. 

Alone when Autumn beauty. 
Flings its banner to the sky ; 

Alone with bitter heart-ache, 
With none to hear my cry. 

Alone when Summer sunshine 

Falls on this earth so fair 
Alone when Winter's pinions 

"Shakes its white clown in the air. 



ALO\E 33 



Alone? no not Alone, 

For an unseen form is near. 

To guide my faltering footsteps, 
And stay the falling tear. 

This unseen friend is Jesus, 
He is with me all the way. 

When shadows gather round me, 
To hide the light of day. 

I can feel His holy presence, 
I can feel His quickening power. 

Giving me new strength to battle, 
With temptation every hour. 

He will keep beside me always, 
"1 ill life's stormy voyage is o'er 

Then He'll give me rest forever. 
On the happy golden shore. 



34 POEMS. 

Dear Lord, before thy cross I fall ; 

Out of my grief, to Thee, I call, 

My Lord, and Helper, Friend, and all. 

I know dear Lord, thy tender eye, 
Looks down in pity when I cry, 
As 'neath my cross, I panting lie. 

Dear Lord, the cross is hard to bear ; 
When those I loved so pure, and fair, 
Have passed to mansions, "over there." 

Leaving me oh ! so lone and weak ; 
My lips a prayer, could scarcely speak, 
But help from Thee, my Lord, I'll surely 
seek. 

Poor suffering heart ! how much it needs, 
\\ lien tortured with the cross it bleeds; 
Still Jesus, with the heavenly manna 
feeds. 

Full well I know that Thou didst die, 
Upon the cross ; and all that to Thee fly 
For help ; will find Thee, always nigh. 

The consecrated cross I'll bear, 

'Till thou shalt call me, "over there, " 

To dwell with Thee, in mansions fair. 



KITT1E AND I. 35 



^ittie una % 

Kittie and I were lovers true, 

In the clays of long ago, 
When life was bright and full of joy, 

For our youth could never a sorrow 
know. 

Kittie had cheeks like cherries red. 
And hair of a lovely golden hue, 
Her smiles and dimples played hide and 
seek ; 
And her lovely eyes were Heaven's 
own blue. 

Kittie was wiser far than I ; 

And oft as we studied side by side, 
I was planning that some bright day, 

Kittie would be my own sweet bride. 

Time passed on, and Kittie and I 

Were wed, in the leafy month of June ; 

Vvnile the breath of roses was in the air, 
And brook and bird were all in tune. 

In a cottage cosy and sweet. 

Close beside the rippling brook. 

Where tall trees shaded the grassy lawn, 
And flowers blossomed in every nook. 



36 POEMS. 



We went to live Kittie and I 

In that cottage home so bright and 
fair, 
And as years passed on in their ceaseless 
flow, 
Dear little children gathered there. 

Making the house so cheery and bright, 
Home was full of bustle and life : 

Ringing with girlish laughter gay, 
And often echoing boyish strife. 

In the cottage so dear to us, 
Kittie and I are left alone ; 
The years have passed with their changes 
sad, 
And all the children have from us 
gone. 

Two are travelling in foreign lands ; 
One lives near the old home nest ; 
Three have passed through the pearly 
gates, 
And are happy now in the mansions 
blest. 

Kittie and I are lovers still. 

For love can never more grow old ; 

E'en though the cheeks may faded grow, 
And hair turn gray that once was gold. 



KIT TIE AND I. 37 



And as we sit in the twilight gray. 
And talk of the past with the falling 
tear; 

I steal my arm round her gentle waist, 
And whisper I love you, Kittie dear. 

So Kittie and I will patiently wait, 
The Master's call to our home on high ; 

And there while eternal ages roll. 
We shall be happy, Kittie and I. 



Tell me not, oh ! tell me not. 

That true love can e'er grow old ; 
Well I know the eyes grow dim, 

And hair turns gray, that once was 
gold. 
Steps may weak and faltering grow. 

Cheeks may fade and hands grow old ; 
But the heart that truly loves, 

Knows no chill, or Winter's cold. 



38 POEMS. 



(Sattlee. 



O beautiful Sea of Galilee, 

On which our Master has sailed so oft ; 
When the sun was shining clear and 
bright, 
And when the moonbeams fell pur? 
and soft. 

Dear beautiful sight from thy flowery 
banks, 

Our Master has often gazed on thee ; 
Naught can surpass thy view so grand, 

Thou beautiful Sea of Galilee. 

Once when the storm was sweeping wild, 
And the vessel seemed doomed by the 
fearful blast, 
The disciples hastened to awake our Lord, 
Who weary with toiling, was resting 
at last. 

Carest Thou not that we perish, Lord? 
The dark waters surelv this vessel will 
fill. 
The Master awoke from His quiet sleep ; 
And spake to the waters, "Peace, be 
still." 



GALILEE. 39 



The wild storm ceased and the moon- 
light shone 
Once more on thy waters so pure and 
free, 

The disciples were safe and all was 
serene, 

Thou dearest of waters, sweet Galilee. 

Our Master's home was once on thy 
banks. 
And there He oft spoke sweet words 
of love, 
Teaching the multitude how to live, 
Pointing them to the mansions above. 

Around thee towering in lofty height. 
Is Mount Hermon so grand, and Ta- 
bor sweet ; 
Embosomed by hills ; how calm they 
repose, 
What a refuge and rest, for tired wan- 
dering feet. 

How oft the multitude lingered to hear 
The teachings of Him, so divinely 
blest ; 
It was there by thy waters He said to 
the weary 
"Come unto me, and I will give vou 
rest." 



4 o POEMS. 

It may be I never shall see thy grandeur ; 

But still thy waters are dear to me, 
Flow on through the ages, in sparkling 
beauty. 

Loveliest of waters, sweet Galilee. 



(!)nv pother. * 

Our darling Mother has left us, 

For the bright land far away ; 
Left the land of pain and sorrow. 

For a land of. perfect day ; 
And I am so sad and lonely. 

Though I know 'twas the Master's wi 
And in my heart there's an aching void, 

This world can never fill. 

Dear Jesus I never can bear it, 

This terrible sorrow alone ; 
I must seek my help from the Master, 

Who sits on the great white throne; 
1 know He is able to keep me, 

And lead me all the way. 
That leads from this world of sorrow, 

To a world of endless dav. 



OUR MOTHER. 41 



I go to her room at twilight. 

And sit in the dear arm chair ; 
And close my eyes for a moment, 

And listen to hear her prayer ; 
She has prayed so earnest and tender, 

For her children, one by one ; 
But her prayers on earth are ended, 

Her praise in Heaven has begun. 

We still have a blessed comfort, 

For we know in that world of light ; 
( )ur Mother is resting forever, 

With never a shade of night ; 
She is praising her dear Redeemer, 

That she loved to praise below, 
She is waving palms of victory. 

In garments whiter than snow. 

She is wearing a crown of glory, 

And striking the harps of gold ; 
She is praising the tender Shepherd, 

That brought her safe to the fold ; 
To pastures green, by waters still, 

To the many mansions fair. 
He has lead our precious Mother ; 

And she will dwell forever there. 



42 POEMS. 

%, ^Peaceful ^avbov. 

We shall reach a peaceful harbor, 
When our stormy voyage is o'er ; 

We shall rest, and cast our anchor. 
Over on the home-land shore. 

We shall see our Dlessed Saviour, 
We shall gather 'round His throne. 

We shall shine among His jewels. 
When He comes to claim His own. 

We shall meet our precious loved ones, 
We shall see them face to face ; 

Those on earth we loved and cherished, 
Wno were torn from our embrace. 

In that quiet, peaceful harbor. 

All our trials will be o'er ; 
For no storms can ever reach us, 

When we reach the golden shore. 

Let us stop and think a moment, 
When we are by grief oppressed, 

Think about the peaceful harbor, 
And the long, eternal rest. 

Peaceful harbor, blessed harbor. 
Soon our barks will softly glide, 

On thy bright and silvery waters, 
Safe beyond the surging tide. 



OUR LITTLE MARY. 43 



<3nx ^ittU ^Xarg. 

Little winsome Mary, 
With her golden hair, 

Joyous as a sunbeam. 
Flitting here and there. 

Not a thought of sadness, 
Does her heart beguile ; 

But like summer sunshine, 
Is her happy smile. 

Like the violets, blooming. 
In the month of May. 

May our little darling. 
Be as pure as they. 

Then when Jesus calls her 
To that world of light. 

May she -be an angel, 
Robed in spotless white. 



44 



POEMS. 



Angelina %mw } z ^ahtij. 

We is gwine to hab a pahty, 

For Angelina Jane ; 
Ef you done come and celebrate, 

You'll sholy hab a pain. 

We am gwine to hab a tuckey, 
And a 'possum ef we can ; 

You'll sholy tink it bouful, 
Dis splenderiferous plan. 

We am gwine to hab a pone cake, 
And pumpkin pie and jam; 

We am gwine to hab a pahty, 
Dat's sholy what we am. 

Angelina's got her fixens, 

A lub'ly yaller gown ; 
All trimmed with red, and blue, and 
green, 

De hamsumest in town. 

All the cullud population, 

Am inbited to de feast ; 
Hit am pufhckly pondiculous, 

Hit am, to say the least, 



ANGELINA JANE'S PAHTY. 45 



For any cullud gemmen, 

To stay away dat night, 
Angelina Jane will be dere, 

And she am a lubly sight. 

Tony Smiff will play de banjo, 
Br'er Jinks will call de dance, 

Parson Simpkins he will shak his foot, 
At the berry fustest chance. 

I is razzled 'bout dat parity, 

Hit done seem so powerful grand, 

I low dat Angelina 

Am gwine to take a stand, 

An' be de finest lady, 

In all the country 'roun,' 
She suttinly will tak' de cake, 

For dat she sholy boun.' 

Now I gibes you all an inbite, 

I gibes it berry plain. 
Dat's we is gwine to hab a pahty 

For Angelina Jane. 



46 POEMS. 



gittte SoUij Simple. 

Little Dollie Dimple, 

Dressed in pink and white, 
Singing to her dolly ; 

What a pretty sight. 

What is Dolly singing? 
I can hear, can't you ? 
"O, oo 'ittle pwecious, 
W r is oo'r eyes so blue. 

"Wis oo'r golden wringlets ; 
Des as sweet oo look, 
Wis I had oo'r picture, 
In my 'ittle book. 

"Muzzer oves her dolly, 
Evy single day ; 
Oves to watch her always, 
When se'ze out to play. 

"Muzzer wants her darling, 
To be dood and true ; 
Den see'll be so happy, 
I know dat, don't oo? 



LITTLE DOLL Y DIMPLE. 47 



"Don't pull Kitty's tail, dear, 
Don't cut muzzer's lace, 
Don't be cross to Bridget, 
When she wipes oo'r face. 

"Always mind oo'r muzzer, 
When she tells 00 too ; 
Den my 'ittle pwecious, 
Oo'll be dood and true." 

Thus sings Dolly Dimple, 
As her mother sings ; 

O how oft they copy — 
Precious little things ! 

Let us be more careful, 
How we lead the way. 

For our darlings' footsteps ; 
Lest they go astray. 

If we're kind and gentle, 

To each little one. 
We shall hear the Master 

Sav to us, "Well done." 



POEMS. 

if WLz ^vnciu. 

If we knew we had but one clay to live, 

If we knew we had but — one day ; 
How kindly we would speak, 
And how hard we would seek, 
To be Christ-like and meek ; 

If we knew, if we knew 

We had but one day. 

If we knew we had but one day to live, 

If we knew we had but — one day ; 
As the moments swiftly flew, 
We would never, never do 
Unkind acts ; that is true ; 

If we knew, if we knew 

We had but one day. 

If we knew we had but one day to live, 

If we knew we had but — one day ; 
From out this world's dark din. 
We would strive some soul to win, 
Lead him from the paths of sin ; 

If we knew, if we knew 

We had but one day. 

If we knew we had but one day to live, 

If we knew we had but — one day; 
The hungry we would feed, 
Give to those who were in need ; 
We would sow precious seed : 

If we knew, if we knew 

We had but one day. 



•ROCK OF AGES CLEFT FOR ME." 49 



"gtocfe of ^fles ©left f ov pic." 

"Rock of ages, cleft for me :" 
Sung by maiden sweet and fair ; 

Lovingly the sunlight falls, 
On her wavy, golden hair ; 

"Rock of ages, cleft for me. 
Let me hide myself in thee." 

"Rock of ages, cleft for me ;" 
'Tis a wife that sings it now 

And life's joy is shining bright, 
On her placid, peaceful brow ; 

"Rock of ages, cleft for me. 
Let me hide myself in thee." 

"Rock of ages, cleft for me ;" 
Mother sings it to her child, 

As she hushes him to rest, 

In low tones, so sweet and mild ; 

"Rock of ages, cleft for me. 
Let me hide myself in thee." 

"Rock of ages, cleft for me :" 

Sung above a coffin lid, 
How with grief her heart is torn. 

As from her sight her child is hid ; 
"Rock of ages, cleft for me. 

Let me hide myself in thee." 



50 POEMS. 

"Rock of ages, cleft for me ;" 

Husband now has passed from sight, 

He through all has been her stay, 
And has made her life so bright ; 

"Rock of ages, cleft for me, 
Let me hide myself in thee.'' 

"Rock of ages, cleft for me ;" 
Now her hair is silver wmte, 

And she often sings the hymn. 
In the watches of the night ; 

"Rock of ages, cleft for me. 
Let me hide myself in thee." 

"Rock of ages, cleft for me;" 
Mother now has passed away, 

Passed from all life's toil and care, 
To the realms of endless day ; 

"Rock of ages, cleft for me. 
Let me hide myself in thee." 



"Rock of ages," O, how sweet; 
O what joy and bliss complete, 
For the weary one to hide, 
Sheltered by the Saviour's side ; 
There from care and sorrow free ; 
"Rock of ages, cleft for me." 



LET US SCATTER SUNSHINE. 51 



get ICs Scatter ^tnslttne. 

Let us scatter precious sunshine. 
As we pass along our way ; 
For while here, we're only pilgrims 
To a country far away. 

Let us lift our fallen brother ; 

Win him back again by love ; 
Scattering sunshine on his pathway, 

Leading to the Home above. 

Time is passing swiftly onward. 
Let us work while yet 'tis day. 

Scattering all the precious sunshine. 
That we can, along our way. 

When we reach the blessed haven, 
All our trials will be o'er ; 

And there'll be eternal sunshine. 
On the happy golden shore. 



52 POEMS. 



fPy (Die ©afoin ^otrxc. 

Down wha de ole Potomac ribber, 

Flows pure and strong; 
Dere on it's banks dere stood a cabin, 

Dere's wha I libed so long; 
Dere libed my wife so gay, and happy, 

Wid our pickaninnies four ; 
But dose bright days are gone foreber, 

Yes, gone foreber-more. 

Chorus. 

Gone, yes gone, dose days so lubly, 

Neber more dey'll come ; 
I neber more shall see de moonlight, 

Shining roun my ole cabin home. 

Dere when de moon was shining brightiv, 

Fru de open door ; 
I'd sit and play upon de banjo, 

And sing de songs ob yore ; 
Wife she would sing wid me de chorus, 

And sometimes more ; 
Dere lay de little pickaninnies", 

Asleep, on de ole cabin floor. 

Massa Boynton he am dead and buried ; 
Missus lavs by his side ; 



ST. VALENTINE'S DAY. 53 

And all de white folks at de mansion, 

Hab gone out, wid de tide ; 
I soon shall hear de angels calling, 

For me to come, 
I soon shall join de mighty chorus, 

Up in de "glory home." 



j§t. Valentine's gay. 

Young ladies all and gentlemen too, 

It is the year 1902 ; 

On the Fourteenth of February you will 

see, 
Many valentines, gay and free. 

Some will be from young lovers, no doubt, 
And others from sweethearts, "Just come 

out ;" 
And some alas ! will be comic, how sad, 
Making some people, right out mad. 

Off to the postofnee you will run, 
And then look out for there will be fun ; 
So many will ask for mail that day. 
That the clerks will have a picnic, they 
say. 

Now there is a maiden just in sight, 
Her age is unquestionable, that's all right ; 
She timidly asks, any mail for me ? 
I think there is, just look and see. 



54 POEMS. 

He hands her an envelope large and blue, 
And quickly she disappears from view ; 
She reaches home, with a thrill of delight 
She opens the envelope, what a sight. 

An old woman dressed in youthful style, 
And on her face a simpering smile ; 
A verse underneath the picture is seen, 
And something like this, it reads I ween. 

Poor Miss Smith, you are getting old, 
And ought not to flirt and be so bold, 
You never will marry, that is true, 
For not one in the universe, would have 
you. 

Her face is a study, and isn't she mad. 
She burns the paper and says I am glad, 
As men are such scoundrels, I'm not a 

wife, 
I'll go scot free, to the end of life. 

Her Valentine is only one of many. 
That can be bought at the store for just a 

penny, 
And you know there are men so poor in 

pense, 
They couldn't buy anything with better 

sense. 



ST. VALENTINE'S DAY. 55 



Other's fare better, of course they do, 
Such sweet little missives in gold and 

blue, 
With a picture of cupid throwing his 

dart, 
Hoping to pierce some fair one's heart. 

Just a little verse is inclosed in each. 
Saying my darling you are a peach. 
And "if you love me as I love you, 
No knife can cut our love in two." 

Such words of love it makes one sick, 
It really is putting it on, too thick ; 
But then they're young and green, we say, 
And they'll know better, some future day. 

But keep up courage and don't get sad, 
Whether your valentine's good or bad ; 
My rhyme is ended, and you'll be free, 
'Till the Fourteenth of February, 1903. 



56 POEMS. 



HXicHey W%kxzxi and |Jis gonfceg 

Mickey O'Brien had a donkey and cart, 
And it was seldom you ever saw them 

apart, 
When people met they would often say, 
I saw Mickey and his donkey today. 

Mick and his donkey gathered the swill, 
From the many houses over the hill ; 
For over the hill lay the town of Valeek, 
And Mickey went there every week. 

So one bright morning" in early June, 
Mick started out with a lively tune ; 
The donkey was feeling his very best, 
After a night of quiet rest. 

Mick gathered his swill by noon that day, 
And started along on his homeward way ; 
He was thinking of the trotters sleek, 
He had seen at the fair, that very week. 

Fie was wishing he could be some day, in 

a race, 
He knew his donkey would be in place, 
And beat any horse they put on the track, 
No matter whether they were gray or 

black. 



MICKEY O'BRIEN AND HIS DONKEY. 57 



He thought he would practice a little 

: while, 
And let his donkey run a mile ; 
So he hit the donkey across the back, 
And gave a wild shout, go it Jack. 

The donkey started, but not to run, 
For he raised his heels and kicked like 

fun ; 
He kicked the wagon from side to side, 
And scattered its contents, far and wide. 

Hut Mickey O'Brien where was he? 
Why, high and dry in a beechnut tree; 
He was sitting quite bereft of speech, 
Hut glad to be out of the donkey's reach. 

At every kick, the donkey would bray, 
And the people heard him for miles 

away, 
They thought an earthquake had struck 

the town, 
And expected every house to go down. 

But as nothing occurred, they started out 
To see what the terrible noise was about ; 
And lo, behold ! when they came in sight. 
That donkey was kicking with all his 
might. 



58 POEMS. 

Then Mickey's old friend Johnny McNive. 
Called out to Mick, are ye did or alive? 
Faith oi cannot tell said Mick which oi be 
Ontil oi git out of this bachenut tree. 

I do belave oi'm alive said Mick, 
But how kin oi till afther such a kick. 
And then that noise, och murther,me hid, 
Fales as if it had been struck with a tin 
pound lid. 

The ongrateful baste afther all me love, 
And being koind to him, as a gintle dove ; 
If oi fall in love again said Mick, 
It will be with a gurrl ,-f or they niver kick. 

Begorra oi'll have a raffle tonight, 
And raffle that donkey out of my sight : 
Thin sure nixt week oi'll see Biddy 

McGree, 
And ax her bedad, will she marry me. 

Mick had his raffle that very eve, 
And the donkey was won by the black- 
smith Steve ; 
He made good use of the donkey they say 
Letting him out for a dollar a day. 

Mick was married the very next week. 
To Biddy McGree and she looked kind 

and meek ; 
But he soon repented, for said Mick oi f oind, 
I was a lettle to quick to make up me 

moind. 



MICKEY O'BRIEN AND HIS DONATE Y. 59 

The people now shake their heads and say : 
Poor Mickey O'Brien have you seen him 

today ? 
Why, yesterday morning he came to me, 
Andisaid his wife had nigh broke his knee. 

She had hit him hard with a rolling pin, 
And had kicked him twinty toimes in the 

shin ; 
O dear, said Mick, we niver can tell, 
Whin we are happy, and doing well. 

Faith there is won thing oi know said 

Mick. 
That is tin toimes worse than a donkey's 

kick ; 
And that is to have a fighting wife, 
It makes you fale like hiding your life. 

MORAL. 

A moral my friends, in this storv vou'll 

find; 
Don't be too quick to make up your mind ; 
For if you do you'll have cause to repine. 
Better take warning from the fate of 

Mickey O'Brien. 



6o POEMS. 



ghe (Dceau. 

There is beauty in the ocean, 
With its waves of deepest blue ; 

With its shells and lovely sea-gems, 
As they sparkle, ever true. 

There is music in the ocean, 

E'en though oft the rough waves roar. 
For the clear sweet sounds of sea- 
mymph's shells, 

Echo, along the shore. 

There is rest upon the ocean ; 

For the sailor on the deep, 
Oft is rocked upon its billows. 

To a sweet and tranquil sleep. 

And we know that friends and dear ones, 
Laid to sleep beneath its wave ; 

Far from home and loving kindred, 
Slumber, in a peaceful grave. 

So we love the mighty ocean. 
With its ever changing flow ; 

Flowing onward, ever onward, 

With its shimmering, sparkling glow. 



SPEAK KINDLY TO THE ERRING. 61 



,§peaK %\n&X% to the Hwitx©. 

Speak kindly to the erring ones ; 

Their load is hard to bear, 
Grief follows in their sinful ways, 

We would not add one care. 

Speak kindly to the erring ones ; 

Harsh words, will only make 
The sinners heart grow harder still ; 

Kind words will melt, and break. 

Speak kindly to the erring ones ; 

The pathways they have trod, 
Have been so full of snares and thorns ; 

Just lead them back to God. 

Speak kindly to the erring ones ; 

No matter what has been 
The errors that entangled them, 

Deem not, what e'er the sin. 

Speak kindly to the erring ones ; 

God knows their bitter grief; 
Lead them to seek for help from Him 

Who gives to all relief. 

Speak kindly to the erring ones ; 

A gentle word of love, 
May lead them back from error's path, 

Upward, to realms above. 



62 POEMS. 



gon't (Change Old ^viends 
&ox $lzw (Ones. 

Don't change old friends, for new ones, 
When the old ones have been true ; 

The new ones may linger around you, 
Only when the skies are blue. 

Let adversity's storm sweep o'er thee, 
And your friends will quickly depart ; 

E'en old friends will sometimes forsake 
thee, 
The ones that were near to your heart. 

But if in your catalogue of friends, 
You can find just one dear name. 

Of a friend, who in sunshine and shadow. 
Has been always true, just the same. 

Then cherish that true friend always, 

Be true to him, 'till the end ; 
For no one should ever take the place, 

Of a true, and steadfast friend. 



ABIDE WITH ME MY MASTER. 63 



&bulc With fgU ^Ixj f&uste*. 

Abide with me, my Master, 

For the evening time has come ; 

I am sad, and worn, and weary, 
And I long for rest and home. 

Abide with me ! the years have been 
So full of storm and strife ; 

I had well nigh lost my faith in thee 
And in eternal life. 

Abide with me, my Master, 
For I need thee every hour ; 

Temptations round me gather, 
And I need thy keeping power. 

Abide with me ! the shadows oft 
have hid thee from my sight ; 

And T have groped on in darkness, 
Longing for peace and light. 

Abide with me ! my loved ones 
Have been taken from my side ; 

And my poor lone heart is broken, 
By the surging of the tide. 

Abide with me, my Master, 

And when death shall set me free, 

In the bright eternal city, 
I shall abide with thee. 



64 POEMS. 



He leads his own ; 

Enough for me to know 
He marks my path, 

And bids me onward go ; 
The way may seem a dark one, 

Lone and drear, 
Still I will follow on. 

Without a fear ; 
For well I know my Lord, 

The tender Shepherd's near. 

He leads his own ! 

Though dark and deep the wave, 
The Almighty Arm, 

Is ever reaching out to save ; 
And if we'll trusting follow, 

Christ our faithful guide. 
He'll keep our barks in safety, 

Through the surging tide ; 
And then will land us safely. 

Over on fair Canaan's side. 



THE SOLDIER LOVER. 65 



It was sunset in beautiful Italy : 

The far famed land of the poet's dream, 

And the roseate hues of its brilliant 
clouds, 
Was reflected in fountain and stream. 

Up from the street on a grassy knoll. 
Stood a castle grand and fair ; 

With its climbing vines and verdant 
lawns. 
And its fountains playing there. 

By tbe window sat Lady Gaovinni, 
Watching the sunset's radiant glow. 

She was thinking about her lover. 
Who had left her so long ago. 

Left her to be a soldier brave. 

And had marched away with a glitter- 
ing band. 
Away from his home in clear Italy, 

To fight, in a foreign land. 

He had promised her he would soon 
return. 
And claim her as his own sweet bride ; 
Every morning she had prayed for him, 
And had watched for his coming, at 
eventide. 



66 POEMS. 

Seven years had passed, in their ceaseless 
flow, 
And not one word had she heard from 
him; 
No wonder her cheek had paler grown, 
And her eyes with tears had oft been 
dim. 

She thinks it must be her lover is dead, 

And lying in a grave, unknown ; 
But she hopes and prays they may meet 
again. 
In Heaven, around the Master's 
throne. 

Hark ! there sounds the music of fife and 
drum. 

And the tramp of many soldiers' feet; 
With waving banners and loud huzzas. 

The gallant band marches up the street. 

She starts ; though her eyes are dim with 
tears. 
Her soldier lover she perceives ; 
His coat with medals and stripes is bright. 
Although there hangs one empty 
sleeve. 

Her lover, a general, gives the command 
To halt ; and the soldiers quickly obey ; 

Then he goes to greet Lady Gaovinni, 
But she meets him on the walk, half 
way. 



THE SOLDIER LOVER. 67 

My darling I have come back, he says, 
And my love is as pure and strong for 
thee, 
But one arm is gone, and my face is 
scarred, 
And from our engagement, you may be 
free. 

Why Raynor, she says, and the tears fall 
fast, 
I love you now and forever-more ; 
Your battle-scarred face and empty 
sleeve, 
Makes you dearer far. than you were, 
of yore. 

He clasps her hand in a warm embrace ; 

And marches with the band away ; 
The parting now will not be long, 

'Twill be but for a single day. 

Next night, in that castle grand and fair, 
There was sound of dancing and music 
sweet, 
For Lady Gaovinni had become the 
bride, 
Of her soldier lover. General Carleet. 



68 POEMS. 



% Jlistes's %ovz. 

The harvest moon was shining bright, 
On a landscape passing fair. 

And it shone in its silvery beauty, 
On a couple, standing there. 

Just under the tall, sweet lilacs, 
Close by the old farmhouse gate ; 

They were talking low, and earnest, 
Though the hour, was getting late. 

The young man spoke, say Eloise, 
(Her name was Eloise Green) ; 

Why is it, your sister Myrtle, 
Is too busy to be seen ? 

I have called at the house so often, 

But her face, I never see ; 
We used .to be such good old friends, 

Why should she thus avoid me? 

There was a tone of sadness 

In his voice : and he spoke so low ; 

Eloise, I love your sister, 
Yes ; I loved her long ago. 



A SISTER* S LOVE. 69 



I used to think she cared for me, 

But I see it was not so ; 
For when I asked her to be my wife, 

Her answer came briefly, no. 

Myrtle was sitting in her room, 

And thinking of the past, 
Of her promise to her mother ; 

And the tears fell thick and fast. 

I remember just the promise, 
I made before mother died ; 

She put her dear arms around me, 
And drew me down by her side. 

Then she said, my precious daughter, 
I want you to promise me. 

That, when I'm called from earth away 
To my rest, forever free. 

You will care for little Eloise, 
With a true, unselfish love ; 

I give her into your keeping, 

'Till we meet, in the Home above. 

I said dear mother I promise, 
And my life work it shall be, 

To care for sister Eloise, 

And make her life triad and free. 



70 POEMS. 



And in a short time dear mother, 
Passed on to the mansions blest, 

Gained a harp and a crown of glory, 
And a long eternal rest. 

Then I had dear little Eloise, 

And father to care for too ; 
And with all the work and everything, 

I had all that I could do. 

Years passed on ; and Eloise grew, 

To be beautiful and fair; 
I made her life a glad, bright day, 

And shielded her- from care. 

And when Frank Livingston asked me, 
To become his own dear wife, 

And said he loved me truly, 

And I could make bright, his life. 

I thought of my promise to mother, 
And though with a heart-felt pain, 

I told him I could not, and asked him 
Never to speak of it again. 

For T knew that Eloise loved him, 
Though she never told me so; 

And for all the world, I would not 
Have her heart receive one blow. 



A SISTER'S LOVE. 71 



Dear Eloise is lovely. 

And as sweet, as she is fair, 
With her rosy cheeks and dimples, 

And her wavy golden hair. 

And Frank, I think he cares for her, 
With her sweet and gentle grace ; 

For men are always attracted, 
By a young and handsome face. 

She will make his life so happy, 
He will never think of me ; 

And as the years pass, "one by one," 
How lonely, I shall be. 

I will try to bear my heart-ache, 

As I journey here below; 
I will earnestly pray to the Father, 

And He will help me, I know. 

There, Eloise has just come in; 

I must wipe the tears away, 
She must never know my secret, 

No, not even for a day. 

Why Myrtle! what's the matter? 

You have been crying tonight, 
I want you to be so happy, 

When everything seems so bright. 



72 POEMS. 



I am going to tell you a secret, 
You must not tell it for anything, 

I'm engaged to Charley Montrose, 
And will marry him in the Spring. 

I have told Frank all ahont it. 

He is like a brother to me ; 
And he has promised to be best man, 

And yon the bridesmaid, shall be. 

Crying again ! why Myrtle dear, 
I'm afraid that you are sick, 

I'll go down and speak to father, 
And run for the doctor, quick. 

I am not sick dear Eloise, 

But how strange things seem to me ; 
I thought you loved Frank Livingstone, 

Now Charley Montrose's bride vou'll 
be. 

And I feel so glad and thankful. 
To think that all is coming right ; 

I cannot tell you dear sister, 
How happy I am tonight. 

I know it all dear Myrtle. 

It is very plain to me ; 
That you have loved Frank Livingstone, 

But, in vour love for me 



A SISTER'S LOVE. 73 



You thrust your own heart's love aside; 

Thinking I loved him too; 
And you in your sweet unselfishness, 

Would not part us, isn't that true? 

You dear unselfish sister, 

How I love you, none can tell ; 

Why, O dear me, I am crying, 
I can't help it, now all is well. 

Let us cheer up now dear Myrtle, 

And sing a merry tune. 
For we'll have a double wedding, 

In the merry month of June. 

Frank called again, next evening, 
And the moon again, shone bright ; 

But Myrtle dear stood beside him, 
And all was made quite right. 

So I'm sure, that when the roses 
Bloom in June, so sweet and fair, 

There will be a double wedding, 
In the white Church, over there. 



Can anything be in this world more sweet ? 

Than a sister's pure unselfish love? 
It seems to me, just an emblem true, 

Of the purer love, in the Home above. 
Let adversity's storms sweep over thee ; 

The test, will summer friends, far remove ; 
But the stricken heart, will find sweet rest. 

In the strong, sweet hope of a sister's love. 



74 POEMS. 



|£jei}ond the Shadows, 
mixat ghen? 

Beyond the shadows, what then? 
Why a rest from care and pain ; 
In the land of peace and light, 
Where there is no shade of night. 

Beyond the shadows, what then? 
No more bitter tears ; and when 
We have reached that tearless shore, 
We : !l rejoice forever more. 

Beyond the shadows, what then ? 
We shall meet our loved again. 
Gain with them eternal rest, 
In the mansions of the blest. 

Beyond the shadows, what then? 
We shall meet with Christ, our friend ; 
He who led us all the way, 
To the realms of endless day. 

Beyond the shadows, what then? 
Why no shadows fall again ; 
And we'll rest, forever free. 
In a blest Eternity. 



GOD BLESS YOU. 75 



(Sod %nss lou. 

God bless you ! O how sweet the words, 
When we are parting with a friend ; 

For in those words so strong and deep, 
A prayer and benediction blend. 

Those words mean more of hearty love, 
Than volumes, without number, 

For they reveal a trust in God, 
Whose eyes ne'er droop, in slumber. 

Full well we know, that He will keep 
Our friends, where'er their path ma> r 

lead ; 
E'en though the road be dark and drear, 
Or winding round, through flowery 

mead. 

Some may prefer the words "good-bye" ; 

And others farewell and adieu ; 
But no words seem as sweet to me, 

As the dear old words, God bless you. 

So let us when we part with friends. 
Just clasp the hand, firmly and true. 

And say (though tears may gather fast), 
Those three sweet words, God bless 
vou. 



76 POEMS. 

(#us gca* ©Id !£omc. 

Our childhood's home, how dear to us, 

Is every spot and shady nook, 
The orchard and the grassy lawn. 

And e'en the little babbling brook , 
No other spot is half so dear, 

As our old home ; where first the light 
Shone on our pathway bright and clear ; 

And where, when fell the shades of 
night, 

We'd gather round our mother's knee ; 

And when each little prayer was said, 
Our loved ones we would kiss good night, 

And hie us, to our trundle bed. 
And then when we were old enough, 

We'd trudge along the dusty road. 
To the old school-house, where we 
thought 

Wisdom, and whips had their abode. 

Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, 

Found us always cheery and bright ; 
For no sorrow had darkened our path- 
way, 

Or hid from our faces, the light, 
But years have brought sad changes^ 

Our home has passed to other hands ; 
And its walls never more shall echo, 

The music of our loving band. 



THE FOIL Y OF CHICKEN WHITE. 77 

Where are they gone? those dear ones? 

That loved to linger, by our side? 
Passed to their rest, beyond the shadows, 

Gone to their Home, beyond the tide. 
But then we hope sometime to meet, 

Where changes never more shall come ; 
And join once more the loving band, 

That gathered in our dear old home. 



£he 4?aUtj of ©TxicKen imhite. 

I'm going down to have a swim, 

Said little chicken white ; 
Duckling brown is going with me, 

And we're going to stay 'till night. 

Cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck, said mother hen, 

Not one step shall you go ; 
You were not born to swim on ponds, 

But to live on land you know. 

I don't care said chicken white, 
I'm as old as duckling brown ; 

And every time she wants to swim 
On the pond, she just runs down. 

And I am going down today, 

Said chicken with a fling ; 
You needn't think because you're old, 

You know quite everything. 

L.ofC. 



78 POEMS. 

Cluck, cluck, you saucy little chick. 

If thus you disobey, 
And go with duckling to the pond ; 

You'll have cause to rue this day. 

There's one thing now old mother hen, 

You'll find that I will do, 
I'll go down to the pond today, 

If I sink, or swim, that's true. 

So off she ran with duckling brown, 
And reached the pond at last. 

But when she undertook to swim, 
Her courage fled quite fast. 

No sooner had she spread her wings, 
To swim like duckling brown, 

Than the waters quickly covered her. 
And swiftly she went down. 

As thus she sank, poor chicken white, 
She cried dear mother hen, 

If I were only by your side, 
I'd ne'er leave it again. 

MORAL. 

Ye little ones who read this tale. 
Remember chicken white ; 

Obey your mother always. 
And vou'll come out, all right. 



THE HUSKING. 79 



£he 3$ustUng. 

We are going to hev a huskin' boys, 
Deown to farmer Simpkin Brown's 

And I guess he has sent an invite, 
To beoitt all the folks in town. 

We alius hev a big time. 

When there's lots of corn to husk ; 
And we can dance with pretty girls, 

At the tune of Money Musk. 

Don't you remember that night boys, 

Abeont five years ago? 
\\ hen Lucy Dean was challenged, 

To kiss that tow-head Joe ? 

You war'nt all there? well I will tell 

Abeont that jolly night : 
There wus fifty at the huskin , 

And the moon was shinin' bright. 

They wus finding lots of red ears, 
And were kissing right smart, too ; 

When all at once Susanna said, 
Now Lucv Dean its vou. 



80 POEMS. 



And you must kiss Joe Andrews ; 

Wal' I thought that I should scream. 
For Lucy wus just harnsome. 

And the daughter of Squire Dean, 

The richest man in Cherrybank ; 

And wall, that tow head Joe, 
Had ben livin, at the poor-house, 

And wus beound eout, don't you know 

Wal' Lucy Dean she just rose up, 
With cheeks as red as flame ; 

And she kissed that poor Joe Andrews, 
On both cheeks, just the same. 

Wal' I believe you could, hev knocked 
Us boys deown with a feather ; 

I guess we all felt Heaven and earth, 
Had somehow, come together. 

We finished up the buskin,' 

And hed our pumpkin pie. 
With doughnuts, cheese and coffee, 

And a kiss, just on the sly. 

Wal' Joe Andrews he continued, 
To stay with Simpkin Brown ; 

When one day there came a stranger. 
To our quiet little town. 



THE HUSKING. 81 



He was rich, a millionaire I think, 
And he said that tow head Joe 

Wus his nephew, he'd been looking for, 
And with him, he must go. 

He bought him just the finest clothes, 

A gold watch and a ring ; 
And I declare Joe Andrews, 

Took to it like a king. 

Wal' the night before he left us, 
He went to old Squire Dean's ; 

And what his errand wus. I think, 
Will later on be seen. 

He went off with his uncle. 

To a city in the West ; 
I think it wus Chicago ; 

And there he took a rest. 

Then Joe wus sent to college, 

Where for knowledge he won fame; 
He left that college in three years, 

With an M. D. to his name. 

He set him up a practice. 

In Chicago ; then he came 
To Cherrybank for Lucy Dean, 

To share his fortune and his name. 



82 POEMS. 

They wus married in the Autumn, 
Just five years from that night, 

That Lucy kissed him on both cheeks, 
And gave us such a fright. 

They are living in a mansion, 
In the city, now, they say ; 

And are just the happiest couple, 
To be met with any day. 

Wal' boys, my story's ended, 
And the sun is going down ; 

You must all be at the huskin' 
Tonight, at Simpkin Brown's. 



CONSIDER THE LILIES. 83 



(tionsiAzx the pities. 

" Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; 
they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet I say 
unto you, that even Solomon, in all his glory, 
was not arrayed like one of these." 

See the pure and fragrant lilies, 
Bathed in sunlight, kissed by dew; 

Never taking for the morrow 
Anxious thought, as mortals do. 

With a faith and trust unfailing, 
They look upward, to the sky ; 

Sure of dew and sun and shower, 
And a Father's watchful eye. 

See their robes of pearly lustre, 
Sparkle in the Summer's breeze ; 

Solomon in all his glory, 

Was not arrayed like one of these. 

Trusting ever, trusting ever, 
In a Father's watchful care, 

Asking but what God bestoweth ; 
For He clothes the lilies fair. . 

Could we thus unto our Father, 
Faith and true obedience yield ; 

Let us, mortals, learn a lesson, 
From the lilies of the field. 



84 POEMS. 



Journeying homeward, in the morning 

When the sun shines o'er the hills, 
When the birds are singing gaily 

To their mates, in happy trills ; 
When the shades of evening gather, 

To fill the place of dying day, 
I a weary child of nature, 

Journey homeward, on my way. 

Journeying homeward, every moment, 

Soon my feet "shall cross the bar," 
Soon will end this weary sojourn, 

Life has fraught with so much care ; 
Soon I hope to meet my loved ones, 

Join once more earth's severed ties ; 
Gain my title, Christ has given 

To the mansions in the skies. 



"Home sweet home," the Home eternal, 
Where no changes ever come ; 

O, my heart, it thrills with rapture, 
As I journey on towards Home. 



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